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The sale of a stake in Snet by Charbonnages de France is creating a great deal of interest. Already Gaz de France has been given the go-ahead by the French government to acquire a 30-40% stake, paving the way for a real challenge to EDF's dominance in the energy supply industry.

Published By Datamonitor

The bail out agreement between the French government and Alstom [ALS.PA] brings to an end weeks of confrontation between Paris and Brussels over the issue of state aid. However, the deal represents only a stay of execution for Alstom, which must offload businesses if it is to survive.

Published By Datamonitor

Reports in the French newspaper Le Figaro suggest EdF is planning to raise prices for its commercial customers. If so, the last of four obstacles to competition will have been removed, allowing new entrants real access into the market with the genuine prospect of success.

Published By Datamonitor

Pierre Gadonneix, the current chairman of the French gas utility GDF, is widely tipped to be unveiled as the new EdF head later this week. Doubtless he will be receiving many good luck messages as he prepares to take on the role: he will need them, with at least six major challenges already weighing down his in-tray.

Published By Datamonitor

With increasing demand for energy, restricted supply, and Kyoto targets on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet, the case for building new nuclear plants, once dismissed as a last resort, is rapidly regaining force. The importance of the nuclear role as part of a diverse generation portfolio must not be underestimated.

Published By Datamonitor

Recent signals from France and Germany suggest a genuine effort is finally being made to push through energy market liberalization. The French gas regulator has reiterated its determination to realize nationwide competition, while in Germany the new Eurohub market starts trading shortly. However, as Datamonitor's Andrew Hill explains, considerable obstacles still need to be overcome...

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Shares in three of France's major energy companies will soon be up for sale. GDF and Areva should not be hard to sell, but EDF poses more problems, with concerns over the funding of nuclear decommissioning a major worry. However, there are clear benefits to be had from the move in terms of bolstering competition, even if EDF is some way from losing its established dominance.

Published By Datamonitor

In buying into the French hydro power company SHEM, Electrabel has established itself as the second most important player in the French electricity market. This heralds a major step in the market's transition from an EDF monopoly to an oligopoly similar to Germany's.

Published By Datamonitor

French energy retail new entrant Poweo is planning to invest in power generation because supply is tightening in the wholesale market. However, life is not easy for a new entrant and Poweo should not have to take on the financial worry of such an investment. The fact that is has done so raises questions either about its management or the French wholesale market.